Finding Joy in the Cold - Your Nightly Prayer - January 17th

Finding Joy in the Cold
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Depending on where someone lives in the world, the winters can feel as if they will never end. Increased darkness. Snow. Ice. Biting wind. Such conditions force people to stay indoors, sheltering for warmth until spring makes an appearance. When we finally see those tendrils of daffodils emerging from the cold ground, we praise God for the powerful symbols of hope.  

If we thoughtfully consider this season, though, we will find something for which to give thanks. Scripture encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), and to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). And yes, this applies even if we despise the cold. Joy can be found in the quiet and uneventful midwinter.  

The Apostle Paul wrote this instruction with an understanding of the hardships that people experience. He penned the letter to the Philippians from prison, a place where most individuals would struggle to find joy. This was a man who had suffered from beatings and whippings, endured shipwrecks, hunger, cold, and lack of shelter (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Others had sought his life and pursued him, forcing him to flee in unusual ways (2 Corinthians 11:33). Paul was accustomed to hardships, which makes the instruction to “rejoice always” more profound. 

Learning to see the good in every season and giving thanks even in unforgiving times involves the practice of contentment. As Paul wrote a few verses later, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV). The key is to look to the Savior, who is the source of our strength. We are to rejoice in Him daily, for He remains good and loving even in the dark, freezing days that seem to stretch out endlessly with no sign of spring in sight.  

By praising the Lord and delighting in Him, we might begin to look at winter differently, including the drifts of snow and ice. There is beauty there, if we are willing to look––a beauty that reflects that majesty of our Creator who came to make our scarlet sins as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).       

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

God,
In the painful coldness of these days, I long for warmth, light, and new life. I too easily want to skip over this bleak period of bare trees and chilled mornings to move on to what’s next. Creator of winter and spring, summer and fall, teach me to see your goodness in every season, not just in the ones I prefer. And help me to apply what I learn to other areas of my life, those areas I despise as much as the cold. Open my eyes so that I may see the beauty that is offered in midwinter as a reminder of your kindness and grace. May they serve as symbols of what You have done in covering the stain of my sin with Your righteousness, which You give me in Christ.
In His name, I pray.
Amen.  

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. An aspect of winter that you enjoy (if at all), or a part of it that you find beautiful. Is there a memory of winter you especially cherish? 

2. A Bible verse that highlights a specific characteristic of the Lord that you want to remember and recall during times of difficulty. What is it? In what way can you make it a part of the winter season? For instance, through writing and placing the verse somewhere, memorizing it, or praying the verse when talking to God.  

3. Events and activities that are only possible because of the cold: things like warm blankets, hot chocolate, fairy lights, snow angels, sledding, skiing, and the list goes on. How could these activities remind you of the Lord’s kindness in a time of year that is cold and quiet?    

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Dan Gold

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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